A New Chapter Begins for Pacific Buddhist Academy

Achieving the milestone of a new classroom building for Pacific Buddhist Academy was a long time coming, but last Friday, we celebrated together at our Dedication Service and Grand Opening! The Dedication Service began with the familiar and beautiful sounds of a taiko drum as our many guests gathered for the dedication of our new classroom building that will allow us to double our enrollment. Leaders of the Hongwanji International Community from around the state, Japan and the mainland joined students and school supporters for the service.

We are extremely fortunate for the years of teamwork from our trustees, parents, students, faculty, staff, temple leaders and members, and countless friends in Hawaii, Japan, and the mainland United States who have believed in our educational program since PBA was founded in 2003. We are grateful for His Eminence Monshu Kojun Ohtani, the 25th-generation descendant of Shinran Shonin and spiritual leader of the Hongwanji International Community, for ushering in a new era for PBA by officiating over the Dedication Service. Gomonshu-sama was joined by many guests from both sides of the Pacific.

On behalf of the students, faculty and staff of PBA, thank you to everyone who helped us achieve this new era in our young history. We look forward to many more milestones in the years ahead.

In case you missed some of the great coverage we received for our Dedication Service and Grand Opening (that was reprinted on news outlets throughout the United States), please click on the following links: Honolulu Star-Advertiser; MidWeek. We will continue to send more links to print and broadcast reportage as it becomes available to us. Stay tuned for a video memorializing the events that will be posted to the school's website upon completion.

Students, faculty, Auntie Debbie and I will move into our new home in the next few weeks. College and Career Counselor Liane Viloria, Advancement Director Rüdiger Rückmann, Admissions Director Blanche Yarnell and Business Manager Patrick Ito will remain in the Annex Building, and PBA will continue to use existing classrooms and office space there.

Like most new homes, we still need a few more furnishings! What's New readers interested in making contributions for the new building can contact Rüdiger (Rudy) Rückmann in the Advancement Office or call him at 532-2649. To see our Learning Equipment Catalogue, please click here.

In closing, we are so very grateful to all of our school supporters, and wish to express our gratitude to all of you. We look forward to greeting you in the new building when we finish moving in.

Josh Hernandez Morse
Head of School

Photos courtesy of Honolulu Star-Advertiser

1754 Lusitana Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 532-2649

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